The hunt for the perfect pair of leggings seems never-ending. If you’re anything like us, you have a whole drawerful of them, from $5 to $150. Of course, they’re also all different sizes, lengths, and fabrications. But the one thing they have in common? We all thought every last pair was the best at one time or another. Afterall, it’s always felt like trial-and-error was the only way to find the pair of your dreams. Until now. Flare leggings, workout, dress-up, or a combination, we’ve found the best of the best.
We’ve made sure they all are size-inclusive, versatile, and tested by our editors. We’re big fans of leggings around here, and whether you’re wearing them to work, to workout, or to run errands, we’ve covered them all. Their versatility is one of the reasons we love leggings so much, right? Sure, flare leggings are trending. But we also included the always-in-style classic silhouettes. Read on to find our favorite leggings (that we’re pretty sure will become your favorites, too!).
Best Flare Leggings
Athleta Elation Flare Pant
From yoga to barre and runs to the grocery store, Athleta's Elation Flares are rated UPF 50+ and offer medium compression, so you feel held without constriction. Available in 4 colors. Sizes XXS-3X.
Insta booty lift and a smooth silhouette (meaning no muffin top). If you prefer a little more compression and shape, these iconic leggings are a win. Available in 3 (Dark Palm, pictured, and Midnight Navy are both on sale! Very Black is also available.) colors. XS-3X.
Beyond Yoga's spacedye fabric is unbelievably soft, and these pocket leggings feature a 5" waistband, midi length, and non-constrictive fit, you'll want to stay in these all the time. Available in 6 colors, XXS-4X.
Everyday Yoga Uphold Solid High Waisted Leggings With Pockets 28"
Everyday Yoga
Everyday Yoga's eco-friendly leggings include dual pockets and a flat waist + moisture-wicking elements so you stay comfortable. They come in 4 colors and sizes XS-XXL.
Let's hear it for these off-duty beauties with their soft fabrication and wide waistband. There's a reason why SKIMS is a cult favorite. 4 colors and sizes XXS-4X.
Okay, so Negative prefers to call these 'long underwear', but we don't care what they call them as long as they keep making them this cloud-like soft. They're as close to wearing nothing as you can get. Available in 8 colors and sizes XS-XXL.
Our shopping editor has been loyal to these leggings for years. They're unbelievably soft, come in a ton of colors, and are comfortable enough to sleep in. These are definitely not workout leggings.
You didn't think you'd get through a 'best leggings' roundup without seeing the OG SPANX Faux Leather Leggings did you? They are, in a word, perfect. Shaping, flattering, and available in sizes XS-3X.
We know you're loyal to your favorite leggings, but SECONDLEFT's collection managed to shock our shopping editor (in a good way). These leggings are perfect for working out and casual days, and if you're someone who likes to feel held in by your leggings without feeling restricted, you'll never go back once you try these. Available in multiple colors, sizes XS-2XL.
If you're a fan of color and prints, Draper James Sport is the collection for you. We're crushing on these ditsy floral leggings that stay bright even after multiple washes, and you can rock them from the gym to brunch to school pick up. Sizes XS-3X.
These Italian-made leggings can fit into a few different categories, and our shopping editor can't stop raving about them. Ultra-stretchy (like beyond stretchy), eco-friendly, and available in 4 colors, sizes S-XL.
These leggings are on the Oprah's Favorite Things List for 2022, so they're vetted! They're also made with 79% recycled bottles, so your high-impact workouts can feel even better. 10 colors, and sizes XXS-6XL, making them the most size-inclusive option we've found!
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
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Sustainable products for moms, babies, and the whole fam
We all want to live sustainably and help the planet, but let’s face it, sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. It can be overwhelming to think about all the changes we need to make in our daily lives. Especially as parents, when our daily lives are packed full. We definitely want to be as earth-friendly as possible, but we also want products that are easy, effective, and affordable. Is that too much to ask? Definitely not. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of sustainable products that are easy to integrate into your routine. You don’t have to be a die-hard environmentalist to make a difference! Seriously, you don’t.
If you’re someone who wants to live sustainably but always finds themselves procrastinating on making eco-friendly changes, we get it. No judgment here. We’ve got you covered with our list of must-have sustainable products that are both practical and will fit seamlessly into your daily routine. Say goodbye to guilt-tripping yourself for not being green enough and hello to a more eco-friendly lifestyle. From mouthwash to crib mattresses, we guarantee you’ll find a product that will make you feel good about taking a step towards a healthier planet. So sit back, relax, and read on to discover our picks for the best sustainable products for an eco-friendlier home!
Eco-Friendly Fashion
Mightly
Mightly
Mightly goodies are made with organic cotton, have no chemical flame retardants, are Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Certified, and are manufactured in a Fair Trade Certified factory. Mightly has everything from tees to leggings to PJs for kiddos and parents, plus they're ultra-cute!
You might already know Nuuly as a one-stop shop for chic clothing rental at fabulous prices. Born to give our well-loved pieces a second life, Re_Nuuly is an upcycling initiative aimed at reducing clothing waste by reimagining damaged rentals as the source material of new styles. Through partnerships with some of the best creative brains on the Nuuly team, in the community and all around the world, Re_Nuuly completely transforms unrentable garments and plays a key role in their mission to make fashion more circular.
You've definitely heard of Athleta—the all day, every day, oh-so-cute, can't-get-enough casual, athletic, and loungewear. But did you know they're a Certified B Corp? They're working to lessen their footprint by choosing recycled materials like plastic bottles and fabric scraps, utilizing organic cotton, and investing in renewable energy. Athleta also believes that protecting the planet goes hand in hand with improving the well-being of women and girls, and that's why they're committed to empowering women through our internal operations, in our communities and abroad in their supply chain!
Eco-friendly, anti-microbial, and stain-resistant, Coalatree's activewear and outdoor products are an easy way to go sustainable! Some of their products are even made from recycled coffee grounds.
Feel comfortable in your skin while feeling comfortable in your underwear with Woxer! Explore the varied, colorful styles and inclusive sizing for every body. Super soft, high-quality, and made to move with you, the comfortable soft waistband never pinches into the stomach. Their underwear is breathable, moisture-wicking, and chafe-free, while featuring sustainable luxury fabric—Modal—made from beechwood trees. Pair them with Woxer bralettes for a style all your own.
Bamboo is the star of the show across Kyte Baby's unbelievably soft and comfy offerings: baby sleep sacks, PJ's, rompers, onesies, and adult pajamas, loungewear, and more! You'll never want to wear anything else.
Dedicated to their mission of sustainability, Everviolet produces their collections in small batches to avoid overconsumption and waste. Fabrics are also sourced from ethical and eco-conscious mills in the US, Canada, and abroad to find the best natural and sustainable fibers that are soothing and breathable. All bras, bralettes, panties, and camis are made of certified TENCEL Modal with Micro Technology that makes all of Everviolet’s pieces naturally antimicrobial, moisture-wicking, and gentle!
You already love Tea Collection as much as we do, right? Since their pieces are designed to last from kiddo to kiddo, they created Rewear; shop, sell, or trade in preloved Tea and earn rewards!
Quincy Mae is a sustainable apparel and accessory collection focused on the basics (under $50). While only using certified organic fabrics, Quincy Mae offers beautiful color palettes, minimal print patterns, and velvety soft fabrics for newborn to 5Y. Each garment is made with care and meant to last; designed with the intention of living on once your little has outgrown it and maintaining its size and value over time. Their Pre-Loved Program is a resource for customers to share garments with the next little and are rewarded for their responsibility in the process!
MORI has been creating sustainable pieces since 2015. Everything, from sleep sacks to pajamas to rompers to family matching, is also incredibly soft for sensitive baby skin!
4.8m plastic bottles were recycled in 2022 and transformed into stylish vests, jackets, and puffers by sustainable outerwear brand Bernardo. Since 1999, women-led Bernardo has been pioneering innovation in fashion—becoming the first fashion brand to use Primaloft, a more sustainable down alternative and later introducing Ecoplume, a fill made from 100% recycled post-consumer plastic bottles. Bernardo utilizes recycled polyester, chooses ethical factories, shipping practices to minimize their carbon footprint, launched a pre-loved collection, Bernardo Ecoloved, and more!
With ethical production practices in place, gender-neutral designs that utilize organic and post-consumer recycled materials and 100% recyclable tape, tissue paper and packaging, The Sunday Collective is easily a favorite.
This Revolve fan-favorite brand was founded in Hawaii back in 2009 by female-founder, Jane Hoskins. They use the beauty of nature and love of travel as inspiration to create the colors and bohemian detail in their garments. All of Tiare Hawaii’s pieces are handmade with love in Bali using traditional dyeing techniques that have been used for centuries. It’s the brand’s mission to bring you a piece of paradise anywhere you dream.
The Spunky Stork makes the sweetest matching siblings, Mommy/Daddy & Me collections that feature sayings on the front such as: Taco/Taquito, Big Slice/Little Slice, Head Chef/Sous Chef, Grill Master/Grill Novice , and many more. The Spunky Stork is a happy and modern fashion brand passionate about creating clean, organic, non-toxic clothing for children and parents, too! All items are made from organic cotton, the material has no dyes or chemical colorants.
little planet by Carter's creates its pieces using organic, recycled, and sustainable materials, along with responsible manufacturing practices. Their goodies are designed to be heirloom-quality, so they can be worn from kiddo to kiddo!
saalt not only creates incredibly effective period care underwear and products so you don't have to rely on disposable menstrual products, but they're a certified B-Corp that gives back in a ton of ways!
JJwinks is manufactured in L.A., and closely monitored by the brand. They use eco-friendly materials and even ship in compostable and recyclable packaging! Plus, they're our favorite no-need-for-a-bra brand.
Perfect for transitional dressing, the brand’s affordable childrenswear essentials are made with sustainable materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester, so you know your precious tots are safe from harmful chemicals and toxins! Even more, Young Days features Green-friendly designs and messaging to ensure your babies and toddlers are walking the walk.
No snaps or zippers for fast diaper changes, super soft and stretchy with a wide neckline for easy off/on and potty training. Add OEKO-TEK certified bamboo, fun prints, and matching Mommy & Me options and you'll want to buy them all!
Sustainability is at the forefront of everything Girlfriend does and drives their decision making across all areas of the business. All new product development starts with making sure each piece is affordable, sustainable, and inclusive to all — if it doesn't check every one of these boxes, they continue iterating or reconsider the product altogether:
Recycled Materials—All of Girlfriend Collective's clothing is made from recycled materials
Ethical Manufacturing—All Girlfriend Collective pieces are cut and sewn in SA8000 certified- factories that guarantee fair and livable wages, a safe and healthy workplace, and no forced or child labor ever.
Eco-Friendly Dyes—All of Girlfriend's pieces use OEKO and Bluesign-certified dyes, and any water used is thoroughly cleaned and cooled before it is released.
A Closed-Loop System—Through the ReGirlfriend recycling program, many of Girlfriend's pieces can be sent back to be recycled into future Girlfriend clothes. Send in your old Girlfriend and the brand will turn it into new Girlfriend gear, and in return you’ll get a store credit ($15) toward a future purchase as thanks.
The unbelievably comfortable KANE sneakers loved by athletes are sustainably designed injection molded for active recovery. From sports to workouts to running errands and Saturday morning soccer practice, we don't take off our KANEs unless we have to! They're in sizes available for the whole family, plus they come in a bunch of different colors.
Not only does Taos offer super cute and casual shoes that are ultra-supportive, but they've partnered with EcoCart so you can make every order 100% carbon neutral!
Allbirds super cute shoes are made from sustainable materials (responsibly sourced wool, sugarcane, and more), and they take offsetting their carbon footprint extremely seriously. They offer women’s, men’s, and kiddo’s styles in a ton of adorable colors!
Vivobarefoot is a B Corp-certified natural health and footwear brand that wants to take non-functional fashion off feet and encourage children to connect with the natural world. They're vegan and made using recycled plastic bottles, plus they're designed to allow you (or your kids!) to move and grow as close to barefoot as possible!
Naot’s uniquely engineered insoles are made of natural cork and latex and lined with a supple suede lining, creating a flexible and shock absorbing base of serious support that is designed to replicate the shape of your foot, much like a footprint left behind in the sand! They're made ethically and sustainably.
Rothy's owns its own factories and their products are made from natural, sustainable, renewable, or recycled materials. Plus, they're washable, comfortable, and can be worn year after year!
Comfortable and washable, Okabashi shoes are vegan, cruelty-free, and 100% recyclable! Scraps and non-saleable returns are turned into new product. There's something for the whole family.
Ere Perez founded her company upon a dream she had of creating an all natural beauty brand when she emigrated to Australia. Ere is a female entrepreneur who was inspired by the nature and eco lifestyle of Australia, who also wanted to stay true to her Mexican roots by incorporating rich colors. Ere decided to make a commitment to the environment, by creating multi-use, beauty products, where materials and resources could be saved. She sourced products that aren’t threatened or under-threat from over-production. Ere Perez’s products are all thoughtfully made to help aid the environment while keeping your skin happy, healthy, and toxin free!
Iris&Romeo creates luxurious beauty products that we can't get enough of! Their packaging is earth-friendly, their sunscreen is reef-friendly, and many of their products are waste-reducing all-in-one skincare + makeup!
Clean at Scentbird Perfumes and Colognes are formulated without ingredients like: parabens, sulfates SLS and SLES, phthalates, mineral oils, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclosan, and triclocarban. Not only that, but there's so many yummy scents to choose from (Mother's Day, anyone?)
Kitsch creates fabulous beauty products that are also built are 4 pillars: recyclable, made from recycled materials, biodegradable, and reusable. They offer pared-down packaging, are cruelty-free, and focused on always improving to improve the environment!
Gentle, plant-based, and created with essential oils, Indigo Wild's Zum line offers beauty goodies, hand soap, detergent, and more! Not to mention, they all smell incredible.
With natural products now the expectation, MyChelle’s progressive 360-degree approach to beauty is to provide clean, conscious, and comprehensive skin care products that are bioactive, ethically sourced, and formulated with high-performance ingredients for superior results and a lifetime of natural, healthy skin!
Yes To skincare products are made with at least 95% natural ingredients (before they include water). Natural ingredients are those that come from or are made from a renewable resource found in nature. You can find the natural ingredient percentage on the front of each Yes To item!
Act+Acre: the world’s first Cold Processed hair wellness brand that focuses on the scalp first by avoiding traditional heat-based production, which can lessen the potency of nutrients in active ingredients. All Act+Acre formulas are vegan, pregnancy-safe and free of silicones, parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, synthetic fragrances and gluten!
Be kind to your skin and the environment with BIOME+. The+ collection is made with recyclable packaging and cultivated in a LEED-silver certified, carbon neutral facility to limit environmental impact and uses packaging that has been mindfully selected—biodegradable tube and glass jars!
Sunbathing is so 90s! We're saving our skin and tanning at home, especially since products have come such a long way! Enter Bronze Cactus. Curated from natural ingredients, their products are made from products that are free from chemicals, animal origin, and preservatives. Their mission is to educate people about tanning and help in protecting them from UV rays that are harsh to the skin.
Made from high-quality wood, sustainable materials, and nontoxic paint, Bababoo and Friends toys and books are a choice you can feel good about for your little ones!
Lovevery is committed to creating kids' toys that last from generation to generation or can be confidently donated by replacing parts that get lost and ensuring that everything is built to last! Many of their products use FSC-Certified Wood, organic cotton, and biobased plastic. Make sure to check out their play kits—stage-based play essentials for developing minds!
We're pretty sure you've seen Green Toys around in lots of places, but we want to remind you that they make 100% recycled toys! Each Green Toys package that gets recycled saves 1 gallon of water and their manufacturing is U.S.-based.
Neutral, simple, and super high-quality, Marlowe & Co give sto different organizations that bring global relief and assistance to countries around the world. They're especially passionate about empowering women and children which can transform families and communities! Their toys, clothes, blankets, and more, are inspired by the soft and clean Scandinavian aesthetic.
We're obsessed with this set that encourages kids to go outside, experience nature, and let their imagination run wild! They're made with PlanWood (compressed rubberwood sawdust) and conform to the ASTM and EN71 safety standards.
Introducing the innovative go-green Geneverse: the revolutionary solar generators and power stations that give you ultimate access to reliable energy! Geneverse provides an exciting way to maximize your energy savings, creating a cleaner and more efficient approach to your power needs. Solar power doesn't have to be complicated or daunting, we promise. Home solar power is life-changing! We're talking 7 days of reliable energy and Geneverse supports 99% of home appliances! Geneverse Power Stations & Solar Panels—Learn More!
LYNN & LIANA
LYNN & LIANA
LYNN & LIANA's gorgeous cheese boards and serving trays are made from Ecopoxy, a plant-based resin made of recycled bi-products like palm oil, soybean oil, and cashew nut shells. Plus, a portion of their sales is given back to tree planting! LYNN & LIANA is one of our first go-tos for gifts, too.
My Bevi is committed to using verified safe recycled plastics and more importantly recycled ocean plastics where applicable in their products that require plastic components. Plus, it's always eco-friendly to reuse cups and My Bevi has some adorable styles!
Upcycled and sustainable PVC baskets from a female founded South-African home decor brand. Multifunctional PVC baskets that add character to any space while storing anything from dirty laundry, toys, to bathroom towels! Make sure you check out the planters, too.
Sustainable, plastic-free home essentials that are tough on dirt + grime, but easy on the environment. Since 2017, the brand has avoided more than 7M lbs of plastic.
Opinel uses wood sourced from local sustainably managed forests as well as VittEr Eco-Material, a dishwasher-safe compressed paper (FSC) material from Italy!
Silicone is made from materials that exist in abundance – the same materials that make up a huge percentage of the earth’s crust. Silipints don’t employ limited resources like petroleum used to make plastic cups. Silicone, in the form of a flexible substance, is a material composed of silicon, carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, and a curing catalyst used to mold the silicone substance into the desired shape.
PURGGO perfectly combines nature, science, and love. All the product contains is pure all-natural moso bamboo charcoal, one of the most renewable natural resources in the world and Mother Nature's purifier, which has been carbonized and activated at 1110°F - 1300°F (600°C - 700°C). Bamboo charcoal is a tried and tested air cleanser that's been used in Asian countries for thousands of years. On top of this, it lasts for 365+ days (longer lasting than any product available worldwide) and works continuously in the background!
Rollink the world’s slimmest, collapsible suitcase that's also trendy, sustainable, durable, and practical. When you get home, just collapse the bag and conveniently store it away for the next use without occupying a lot of closets or hotel room space (you can even stow it under a bed)!
Austin-based chocolatier Delysia creates stunning chocolates by mom Nicole Patel! They're locally made and Delysia uses only sustainable chocolate. Check out their Mother's Day goodies!
DUET’s candles are proudly hand poured in the USA in partnership with the IDDeal Foundation - a non-profit that creates the IDDeal life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through work, live and play. Additionally, DUET makes a donation of $2 directly to the IDDeal Foundation for every candle purchased. Their candles are ethically made without parabens, phthalates, sulfates and are cruelty free. The soy in the wax is sustainably harvested in the USA! They smell incredible, too.
Pure-Sky is made of patented state-of-the-art composite Ultra Micro fibers, consisting of Multifilament yarns that are made of more than 1,000 strands per yarn, allowing you to clean nearly any surface using just water! No chemicals needed.
BENTGO is a proud supporter of Feed the Children, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that gives hope and resources for hungry children and families. Since 2017, Bentgo has donated more than $200,000 to help put an end to hunger. Their divided lunch boxes make it much easier to avoid disposable sandwich bags, too!
Dishwasher & microwave-safe, Inchbug Labels can also be boiled and sterilized. They're constructed with FDA compliant non-toxic material and are latex-free. They fit securely around containers so young children can't remove and help small hands with a non-slick grip!
Guru Nada Whitening Mouthwash comes in a 2 Fl Oz bottle which makes up to 300 rinses! Small-sized bottles mean less use of packaging material and premixed water, while just 4 drops of this travel-friendly mouthwash mixed with water are enough for 1 usage. We're all for less packaging and natural ingredients!
August is the thoughtfully bold, period-positive brand of sustainable, tax-free, and customizable period care subscriptions, democratizing access to period care through empowerment and gender inclusion in quality menstruation products. Known for their viral TikTok content, strong community, education and giveback, this AAPI & female-founded brand is challenging period shame and cultural norms to uplift menstruators of everyone.
The only sustainable medicine system that exists with fully recyclable and refillable organizers to reduce clutter, add beauty, and remove plastic from your cabinet!
Waterdrop is making hydration-encouraging products and this Austrian brand will motivate you to drink more water in a sustainable way! This set comes with six tasty flavors of the brand’s signature Microdrinks (vitamin-packed hydration cube).
Add more green to your feeding routine with the complete Bambou mealtime bundle from Munchkin! Sustainable and beautiful, their eco-friendly dinnerware collection is made of non-toxic, renewable bamboo and soft, 100% food-grade silicone to help create a greener future for children and planet.
AU Baby was created to deliver safe, timeless, high-quality baby blankets at a fair price. Their Responsible Wool Standard certified merino sheep graze freely on family farms in Uruguay, protecting soil health and biodiversity. Their NATIVA merino is the most advanced 100% traceable and sustainable wool on the planet! They also use only eco-friendly dyes, and these gorgeous blankets come in a ton of different colors.
Bugaboo's strollers are made with mass-balanced bio-based material reducing CO2 emission by up to 20%! They've also committed to become net zero by 2035.
Totter + Tumble is a luxury British brand specializing in design-led playmats for babies, toddlers, and beyond. Simple, stylish, supportive and safe. Use these cushy and on-trend mats as play mats, yoga mats, kitchen mats, and more! There's a print for every home and they come in multiple sizes.
Bobbie is the only mom-founded and led infant formula in the country, Bobbie’s recipe is modeled after breastmilk and designed to meet the most recent EU nutritional standards for critical ingredients like DHA and iron while complying with all FDA nutritional standards for infant formula. Focused on providing a purposefully sourced, USDA Organic infant formula with Organic Valley milk from pasture-raised cows, Bobbie is the first-ever infant formula to receive the Clean Label Project Purity Award and certification as a Pesticide-Free Product!
Morepeas is a new collection of colorful and sustainable mealtime accessories created by mamas for babies, toddlers and kids alike. Morepeas best-selling 4-in-1 Snack Cup was specifically designed for do-it-all toddlers. This 100% FDA approved (food-grade silicone) snack container is an all-in-one snack cup, suction bowl, steamer and storage container all-in-one!
MAM’s first all natural rubber pacifier made from sustainable & bio-renewable raw materials, reducing its CO2 footprint! The BPA-free natural rubber nipple has their signature MAM eco pacifier design with a symmetrical shape that helps promote healthy oral development.
Caring for your children and caring for the planet go hand in hand. That’s why Aerloom is produced with post-consumer, recycled polyester yarns (certified by Global Recycled Standard). It’s made in small quantities to avoid excess inventory and each carrier arrives in a recyclable shipper box; no extra packaging necessary!
Babies spend over 60% of their first years sleeping, making a crib mattress the most utilized baby product ever! But if they’re laying on a traditional mattress, that means they spend over 60% of their time inhaling VOCs, too. So, HALO® created DreamWeave— a dual-sided mattress that is totally free of chemicals, totally breathable, totally washable, totally waterproof, hypoallergenic, and GreenGuard Gold certified!
Lalabu follows great sustainability practices, but we're also obsessed with the babywearing shirts for mom and dad! Mother's Day and Father's Day are coming up, so definitely snag one for your favorite parents.
95% GOTS Organic Cotton, 5% Spandex with velcro fasteners, arm inserts, and a zippered pod for easy diaper changes—the norani Sleep Pod (along with their PJ's, crib sheets, and more) are must-haves for your little snugglers!
Female-founded and oh-so-effective, Dreamland Baby products (weighted sleep sacks, pajamas, and more!) are made from organic bamboo and can be traded into their Upcycle Program for $15 off your next purchase!
Eco-friendly baby-led weaning supplies include splat mats, placemats, utensils, and a mealtime clutch! It's all restaurant-ready and diaper bag-friendly, too.
Terra Thread is a sustainable bag and apparel brand with a mission; to lead a transformation in organic cotton farming, and give consumers better, more planet-friendly choices for everyday essentials!
All of Herschel's iconic accessories are created in the most sustainable and eco-friendly way. In 2021, they launched their Eco collection, using 100% recycled fabrics made from post consumer water bottles diverted from landfill. By 2024, almost all of their bags will be made with recycled fabrics!
Luli Bebé bags are a fave around here, especially since they're not only gorgeous, made for modern moms, and but are all made from 100% vegan leather, which is far more sustainable than traditional cow leather bags! They come in a ton of shapes, sizes, and beautiful colors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.
These structured and hybrid baby carriers are filled with features you’ll love, like pockets, breathable material and elements borrowed from wraps. As a bonus, we’ve included our favorite carriers and wraps from previous years, so you’ll have no problem finding the baby carrier best suited to your lifestyle and baby. From the Colugo baby carrier to new releases from MOBY, Tula, Solly Baby, Ergobaby, Graco, LÍLLÉbaby, BABYBJÖRN and more, you’re sure to find your fave. Read on for the best baby carrier for newborns and older kids.
Reduce infant crying, increase connection, and enjoy hands-free wearing in our buttery-soft and breathable Solly Wrap. Even weight distribution makes the Solly Baby Wrap so comfortable for both baby and the wearer, year round. Available in multiple colors and prints!
Babies can be carried facing in or out in this easy-to-put-on carrier. All the buckles are in front, so you don't need to reach back to adjust or remove it. It fits petite wearers and sixes up to XL, and it fits baby from 8 to 30 pounds. There are two zippered storage pockets for all your essentials, and the adjustable head support flips up or down as needed to support baby's head. Machine-washable for easy cleaning.
3D mesh fabric keeps you and your baby cool and comfortable in this new soft-yet-sturdy carrier from BABYBJÖRN. As your child grows, you can adjust the length, seat area and leg position for maximum comfort. And three head positions give your child the head and neck support needed. For the wearer, two height positions let you adjust the waist belt to either the waist (for newborns) or the hips (for older kids) to better distribute the weight. Babies can be carried facing in, facing out or back carry.
Keep your baby (and yourself) cool and comfortable with this new carrier from Ergobaby. The Omni Breeze is made with mesh fabric to maximize airflow in key areas, including the waist belt. The shoulder straps are cushioned and crossable for a close, cozy fit and there's lumbar support in the waist belt for longer strolls and hikes. Reflective areas on the front and back of the carrier add safety, and the built-in side pockets store essentials. There's also a detachable pouch for larger items, like your phone, keys and credit cards. Babies can be carried facing inward, outward and on your back.
The name says it all. Created with the help of NICU experts and parents of premature babies, this baby carrier envelops your newborn in a soft, comfy hug. It's designed for babies 5-20 pounds and has a size-inclusive design that makes it comfortable for petite and plus-size caregivers. There's a soft, structured center panel and yoga-inspired wraps that hold baby securely and comfortably. A removable bolster keeps the littlest babies in the right position. Babies can be carried facing in, with either legs in frog position or legs out.
Keep cool with this lightweight carrier designed with airflow and comfort in mind. The soft, flex-knit fabric has breathable mesh panels that supports babies as they grow, and the softly structured design supports baby's neck and torso whether facing inward or outward. There's an integrated side pocket for keys and money and a pacifier clip. This carrier is designed for babies 8-33 pounds and adults of all shapes and sizes. Machine-washable.
The Aerloom baby carrier from Ergobaby makes it easier to get out and about with your baby. At 1.45 pounds, it's one of the lightest structured baby carriers on the market, and the streamlined design folds down small. The eco-friendly fabric (it's made with 87% of post-consumer recycled polyester; that's about 26 water bottles!) is stretchy, supportive and features built-in airflow to keep you and your child cool. Kids can sit facing in, facing out and back carry in this machine-washable carrier designed for kids 7-35 pounds.
Designed both for pregnancy and motherhood, this soft wrap is a game-changer. Wear it like a t-shirt during pregnancy to support your belly and back, and then slip your newborn in the soft, stretchy wrap to cradle them close. The breathable fabric helps regulate baby's temperature, and the carrier's shape is designed to support nursing and skin-to-skin contact. Babies can be carried up to 19.8 pounds, and the wrap is machine-washable and comes in plus sizes.
We're all more aware of cleanliness these days, and for good reason. This Omni 360 baby carrier from Ergobaby is made with a soft, anti-microbial fabric for an extra hygiene barrier between you and baby. The anti-microbial protection also eliminates stinky odors by neutralizing odor-causing bacteria, and the non-toxic material is safe for babies to chew. Babies, from newborns to 4 years old, can sit four ways: facing in, facing out, hip carry and back carry. This carrier comes in both cotton (pictured above) and Cool Air Mesh and includes a matching face mask for adults.
This clever carrier grows with your family: Use it first as an infant carrier, then baby can sit inward-facing or outward-facing in the hip seat carrier. For older kids who like to hop on and off, you can remove the straps and use it as a hip seat only. And if another baby comes along, they can use the infant carrier while your older child sits on the hip seat. The hip seat carrier comes with padded lumbar support to evenly distribute a child's weight and protect your back. It also contains a zippered pocket for your valuables. The infant carrier is designed for kids 7.5-33 pounds; the hip seat carrier is for kids 6 months-33 pounds; and the hip seat is meant for kids 4 months-33 pounds.
Looking to pack light for travel or daily errands? This budget-friendly, ultra-compact carrier can be tucked away into its own hip pouch, while still leaving room for your essentials. The woven ripstop material is lightweight, durable and and quick-drying, and there's a detachable hood you can pull up for naps and shade. Kids can be carried on your front or back, facing in, between 12-30 pounds, and mesh padding on the leg, waistband and shoulder straps means comfort for you.
LÍLLÉbaby has upgraded and relaunched its SeatMe carrier with improved padding on the straps, a longer waistbelt and an inner-front waistbelt for improved comfort on the wearer. This soft-structured carrier converts to a hip seat when your baby gets older for easy on/off carrying. There's also a roomy zippered pocket to fit all your necessities. Kids can sit inward-facing, outward-facing, back carry and on your hip. An infant pillow, sold separately, is required for babies up to 3 months, and the carrier is designed for kids 7-45 pounds.
Great for city strolls and nature walks, the Journey GO is made from breathable 3D mesh and moisture-wicking fabric and is machine-washable. It also sports reflective trim for safety and has a zippered pocket for essentials. It holds kids 8-45 pounds and kids can sit inward-facing, forward-facing, hip carry and back carry; no infant insert required. There's a UPF 25+ sunshade that can be removed or tucked into a zippered pocket when not in use.
Also from Contours, the Cocoon hybrid carrier is soft and cozy like a wrap with the secure fit of a buckled waistband. It is made from knit fabrics with air vents for comfort and fits babies 8-33 pounds. This carrier adjusts easily for different wearers and as your child grows; kids can sit inward-facing, forward-facing, hip carry and back carry. There's reflective trim along the shoulder straps for safety, and there are four storage pockets for your and baby's essentials. Attach a toy for baby on the toy loop to keep them entertained. Machine washable.
This hybrid baby carrier has soft, stretchy knit fabric and cross-back straps like a wrap carrier but with the buckles and waist belt of a structured carrier. It's machine-washable and rolls up compactly so you can easily pack it in a diaper bag or suitcase for outings and travel. Babies can sit inward-facing or forward-facing, and the carrier is intended for babies between 7 and 25 pounds (no infant insert required).
This four-position carrier (inward-facing, forward-facing, hip carry, back carry) has only one set of adjustments to give a growing baby the perfect, cozy fit. The waist belt incorporates lumbar support for added comfort for the wearer, and there are padded shoulder straps and padded head and neck support for baby. Breathable mesh fabric keeps you both cool, and the carrier is machine-washable. Designed for babies from 7 pounds to 45 pounds without an infant insert, the carrier also features two storage pockets and a UPF 45+ hood to block the sun.
This lightweight, machine-washable carrier features breathable mesh between you and baby to keep you both cooler, and magnetic buckles that make it easier to get baby safely situated. It supports both inward-facing and outward-facing seating and has pockets big enough to store diapers, wipes, keys, wallet, phone and more. There’s also a UPF 50+ hood for sunny outings. It’s suitable for kids from 7 pounds (without an infant insert) to 30 pounds. And because this is a direct-to-consumer company (meaning you buy directly from Colugo), you’ll get a great price and stellar customer service with your purchase.
Also from LILLEbaby, the Pursuit comes in the All Seasons material with a zipdown panel and breathable mesh, along with a water-resistant shell, as well as Pro material, which is made from a durable, soft-knit fabric. There's also a Sport version with water-resistant ripstop fabric. They all boast seven storage pockets, reflective details and multiple seating positions: Kids can sit inward fetal, with legs tucked in; inward-facing; forward-facing; hip carry; and back carry. This carrier is designed for use between 7 and 45 pounds.
If you need to stand for extended periods, like at an older child’s sports games, the Mamapod carrier is one to check out, thanks to its optional support pole you can attach to alleviate pressure on your neck, back and shoulders. This machine-washable carrier features a cozy hood, soft mesh for breathability, and a hip seat that folds down when not in use. Baby can sit facing inward or forward, and you can remove the front panel and just use the hip seat to prop baby on. The support pole weighs less than 1 pound and can be folded up and stored in the seat pocket when not in use. Designed for babies 12-44 pounds.
Safety, function and impeccable style are just a few reasons we can’t get enough of Cybex. And their newest carrier, the Maira.Tie, epitomizes everything we love about this brand. The carrier offers an ergonomic seating panel and a multi-functional head and neck rest for newborns to toddlers. With padded shoulder straps for crossed and parallel wearing, this carrier can be tied for front, side and back carrying.
—copy by Erin Lem & Eva Ingvarson Cerise; photos courtesy of each retailer
It’s hard enough to get the kids into the car for a day at the park, let alone packing the whole brood—and all their stuff!—up for a family holiday. So if you’re wondering how you’re going to make it through all the car rides, plane trips and taxi jaunts without losing your mom cool, here are a few great travel hacks to make your next family vacation a little bit easier.
Is there anything worse than storing dirty laundry with your clean clothes while traveling? Enter STNKY: innovative bags that lock away germs and odor until you can do laundry! Coming in a variety of sizes, STNKY bags can accommodate what you need, then all you have to do is open the bottom zipper, turn it inside out and do laundry. No touching those smelly clothes! Even better? These bags are PERFECT for athletes and gym rats!
Eagle Creek's newly redesigned Pack-It line is all you need for easy packing. The functional collection is made using sustainable materials, clean designs and comes in three categories to fit everyone's travel needs. Shop wide see-through mesh with ample breathability with Pack-It Reveal, ultra-light and anti-microbial odor control functionality with Pack-It Isolate and durable, water-resistant options with the Pack-It Gear line. The redesign features new silhouettes in addition to classic styles that include Cubes, Expansion Cubes, Folders, Sacs, Shoe Cubes, Toiletry Kits, Laundry Storage and more.
This might sound crazy but hear us out: want to really simplify your next trip? Try a luggage service like Luggage Free. It's super easy to use: you just sign up online (or call, 24/7), select the size and quantity of your luggage, and enter pickup locations and a pre-printed label comes right to your home (or office). You can choose between a four- or two-hour window of time for pickup and can arrange to have the luggage picked up as early as several days in advance or even just the afternoon before your trip. Basically, all you have to do is pack. Considering that most airlines charge $40-$50 each way for checked luggage these days, you'll find the one-way base rates not much more than that and the added bonus of not having to wrangle a giant suitcase along with your toddler just might be worth its weight in gold. We tried it on a recent trip with kids and have to say it's hard to go back once you've done it! It's also great if you want to ship odd-sized items like skis or golf clubs but want the security of tracking and insurance.
Packing your bags can be a pain. Especially when you're a kid. But these fun little gadgets make it easy for anyone to roll up clothes into neat little packages (rolling clothes helps ward off wrinkles and saves tons of space). The Tidy Snap System comes with a special "flip board" that helps kids (and adults) fold and roll clothes neatly and 25 Tidy Bands that snap around the rolled clothes so they don't get all disheveled in your bags. Basically, it's like a snap bracelet for your clothes—and by the looks of this video, it'll make packing for your trip way more fun for everyone.
Pssst: Tidy Snap is also great for keeping clothes organized and color-coordinated in jam-packed closets.
Cost: $24.95 for a Starter Kit; additional bands available in 10 and 30-packs.
Most hotel rooms are small enough; why cramp things up even more by asking hotel staff to haul up a cot for your little sleepyheads. Keryn Means of WalkingOnTravels.com gave us this amazing tip: Take two hotel chairs (the cozy kinds with padded seats and smush them together to create the perfect toddler bed! The chair armrests make for the perfect bed rail, and once you put a few blankets or towels on the cushions, you'll have a cozy and clean place for your tot to sleep without sacrificing too much floor space. Brilliant.
Fill Easter Eggs With Small Toys To Keep Kids Busy
There's a reason Hatchimals and L.O.L. Dolls are so popular: Kids love surprises! So gather up some tiny toys and hide them inside plastic Easter eggs (or wrap them up in colorful wrapping paper) to gift yourself a good chunk of busy time for your kiddo. No need to stress about what's inside the eggs—your kids will likely delight at anything they unveil, just for the simple fact that it came inside a colorful little package.
Pssst: If going to the Dollar Store for small toys isn't in your schedule, you can buy a whole assortment of egg-encased toys on Amazon for just $25
Every parent worries about what would happen if their child wandered away in a crowd. If your kid is too young to remember her phone number or carry a GPS device or a cell phone, strap one of these "Lost and Found" bracelets so that whoever finds your child can easily and quickly contact you. The bands can store the child's name, your hotel name, flight number, two emergency contact numbers and medical conditions or allergies; plus, all this information is written on the inside side of the band, so strangers won't get an easy glimpse of your child's personal information.
Cut back on hotel add-on costs at your hotel or ensure your kids will never be bored at Grandma's by bringing along your own streaming video stick. Devices like the Amazon Fire Stick or the Roku Express are super-portable and work with any TV that has an HDMI port. All you need is a WiFi signal and you'll be able to watch Netflix, Hulu or other streaming video services on the go.
Cost: Roku sticks start at $20 and Amazon's Fire Stick starts at $38.
Get This Ride-On Suitcase That Doubles as an Airplane Bed
Toddlers on a plane: The words that send angst into even the calmest of parents. Long-haul flights can be a little less stressful with the JetKids By Stokke Bedbox, a suitcase that turns your child's airplane seat into an actual lay-flat toddler bed. Not only that, but the suitcase also acts as a ride-on scooter so your tots can zip around the airport before and after your flight. Read Red Tricycle's review of the BedBox here.
Note: The BedBox only works as a bed for babies and toddlers, though older kids can use it as a way to put their feet up.
Of the many packing challenges, trying to find something in your suitcase can be one of the biggest. Digging through clothes and toiletries to find your favorite top will probably lead to the destruction of your carefully organized bag, but that’s just what you have to do, right? Wrong. With these awesome EzPacking cubes, you’re able to fit more in your bag, separate outfits and even see what’s inside each cube. Pick up a set of these revolutionary time-savers here. Don't have time to buy them? Use gallon-sized Ziploc bags instead.
Want to actually enjoy your vacation? Plan on getting a babysitter for at least one night so you can have some kid-free time. If you already subscribe to Care.com, Urban Sitter or SitterCity, use it to enlist a reliable sitter at your destination.
Little artists are going to lose their crayons real quick if they're scribbling with traditional crayons. These triangle-shaped crayons don't easily slide off airplane trays, meaning your coloring kid can keep at it for longer.
Zip Lock bags are a must-have in your carry-on (and checked!) luggage. They're good for everything from separating your children's spare clothes for the plane or car ride (because mark our words, they will spill something on themselves) to holding all your diaper supplies so that your trip to the bathroom is as easy as possible. You can also use bags to label and pack snacks and to separate small toys in your carry-on bag.
There's nothing that'll save your sanity quite like the instant calm-down power of a lollipop. Besides using them after your kid has a boo-boo or in a temper-taming pinch, they're also great at soothing achy ears on take-off and landing.
Line Your Suitcase with Dryer Sheets
Karly Wood for Red Tricycle
Between the car rides, plane trips and repeated wears, traveling can make it difficult to keep your clothes smelling fresh and clean. To maintain the freshness, try lining your suitcase with dryer sheets to make sure everything always smells like it just came out of the dryer.
Making versatile packing decisions can be difficult—you want to look cute in all of those vaycay photos—but you need something that you can wear for multiple days. An easy fix? Break out your dark denim! This stylish option can be dressy and even if you have small spills, no one will be able to tell.
Have a supply of diapers shipped (using Amazon Prime, if you can, so you don't pay for shipping!) to your destination ahead of time so your diaper station is ready-to-go when you arrive. And since we're on the topic, why not ship your clothes and shoes, too? If your destination is Grandma's house, for instance, mail your stuff ahead of time so that you can head to the airport, luggage-free. It'll take some serious forethought, but you'll thank us later.
The last thing you want to do when your kid can't find her crayons is to pull over to the side of the road so you can fetch them from underneath the front seat. Keep the travel activities close at hand by hanging a shoe organizer over the back of the seat.
Bring Plastic Wrap
Kids and those little airplane cups (and turbulence!) are not a good combo. Your solution? Pack a bunch of Glad Press 'n' Seal sheets to turn plastic cups into the spill-proof kind. This hack works great at restaurants, too.
Not only do Band Aids make boo-boos feel better, but they also work like outlet covers when you're on the go. Be sure to bring blue painter's tape, too, which works great for everything from outlet covering to softening sharp table corners to hanging blankets over bright windows so that your hotel room is as safe and soothing as possible.
When your kid starts making a bee-line for the off-limits zones of the airport, whip out a scavenger hunt to keep him safely distracted and busy. This one from The Game Gal is great and will keep your jet-setters busy for hours. Want other airport activity ideas? Check out these 16 Awesome Activities for Tiny Travelers.
Let BabyQuip Handle the Clunky Baby Gear
BabyQuip
We're done hauling bulky baby gear around airports and in the trunk of the car. With BabyQuip, you can leave all that at home. BabyQuip's Quality Partners will meet you at your hotel, Airbnb, vacation rental, or private residence with rentable gear for your little one that they'll even set up for you. From cribs to car seats to toys and video monitors, BabyQuip saves you space and hassle. Plus, they come pick it all up when you're done!
Need (or just want) a new diaper bag? These recent releases are full of clever features, handy pockets and chic style. Read on to find the latest and greatest diaper bag that’s right for you and your little one.
Add on a mini vacuum! This stylish vegan leather diaper bag is designed to simplify your life, thanks to the included stroller straps, silicone snack bag, changing pad, insulated bottle/snack pouch and a removable and washable inner liner. The company even makes a sleek portable, cordless mini vacuum ($60) that complements the bag perfectly and tackles all of your on-the-go messes. The bag comes in this gorgeous green, black, brown, gray and ivory.
Color-coordinated bags! Sleek styling with a roomy interior and gorgeous quilted accents set these Luli Bebé bags apart. The Monaco diaper bag ($169) has nine pockets to keep your gear organized. Carry it by the top handle or wear it cross-body, on your shoulder or as a backpack. The coordinating Monaco snack bag ($79) has a padded, insulated interior to keep food and bevvies cool. Fill it with pouches, baby bottles, fruit and more. We love this latte brown color, but both bags also come in black, white, gray, caramel brown and pastel pink.
Minimalist style If you think you could never leave the house with just a small bag, check out everything you can fit in the Kibou! Here's why it works: There's a waterproof pocket for storing 20+ wipes (or soiled or wet items you want to keep separate), and a fold-out changing pad tucked into an exterior pocket. The changing pad is detachable for easy cleaning, and once your child is out of diapers, you can replace it with Kibou's first aid kit. Wear this ingenious bag around your waist or on your shoulder.
Multi-functional with great longevity You're ready for any adventure with the Pivot Pack, thanks to insulated compartments that wipe clean; well-thought-out pockets for your phone, bottles, toys and more; and travel-friendly features like a luggage strap and backpack straps. You can carry this stylish bag as a backpack or tote, and once your diaper days are over, you can bring it to the gym, office or on an airplane. A washable, removable changing pad is included, and this durable bag is water-resistant and easy to clean.
For quick clean-ups This may look like a traditional diaper bag, but it has a clever way to snag a diaper without having to dig through your purse. Store a stack of diapers in the bottom of your bag, and you'll just need to unzip a special zipper to grab one. There's also a pocket just right for wipes and a special pocket for storing trash bags (for wrapping soiled diapers or even picking up dog poop while you're at the park). The vegan leather exterior is wipeable, and the interior fabric is spill-resistant. This bag boasts 11 pockets and an adjustable cross-body strap. It comes with a nylon changing pad, small purse for money and credit cards, and an insulated bottle holder, all in the same color as the bag exterior. Pretty Pokets also makes totes and backpacks.
For all-day adventures This ultralight backpack (just .8 pounds!) is ready for wherever the road or trail takes you. It features a padded back and shoulder straps for your comfort and comes loaded with interior and exterior pockets so your essentials are easily accessible—check out the wipes window that lets you grab a wipe from the outside. The durable ripstop fabric is water-repellent in case of rainy outings, stain-resistant and machine-washable. With purchase, you also get a changing pad, changing kit, a hot/cold gel pack and two detachable reflective stroller straps. The bag comes in three unisex colors: black, gray and olive green.
The customizable multitasker This tote, organizer insert and diaper clutch can handle all of life's adventures. The tote sports eight pockets and a laptop pocket and comes with an extra strap to convert it into a messenger bag or backpack. Slip the organizer insert into the tote or use it on its own; it has carry handles, a snap closure and seven handy pockets. The vegan-leather diaper clutch can also be used solo; add the removable crossbody strap to keep your hands free. The clutch fits the included wipe-clean changing pad, diapers, wipes and more. Best of all, with each purchase, Momkindness donates a portion of the proceeds to nonprofit organization Every Mother Counts, which works to bring safe maternity care to mothers around the world.
The perfect meld of form and function These sleek bags come in four styles, all of which feature an innovative fold-out changing station to simplify diaper changes. When duty calls, unfold the anti-microbial, liquid-repellent padded changing station. There are fabric sidewalls for privacy and to keep baby from rolling off the mat. For cleaning, just remove the pad and throw it in the washing machine. The bag has customizable cubbies for diapering items, as well as lots of space for your and baby's items. Whether you'll looking for a shoulder tote, comfortable backpack or a carry-on bag, you'll find it here.
Leather-free and full of flexibility These roomy vegan bags can be used as a backpack, messenger bag or stroller bag (clips sold separately). There are six interior pockets and five exterior pockets to help you stay organized, and a diaper bag for changes on the go. The cotton canvas exterior is water-resistant, and faux-leather trim adds great style. Comes in black, grey, olive green, and black-and-cream stripes.
For quick trips and traveling light Don't be fooled by the compact size. This tiny wonder can fit pouches, wipes, bottles and your phone and wallet, all organized thanks to two cup holders and three zippered pockets. The bag is waterproof, machine-washable and easy to wipe clean so it will retain its good looks through multiple uses. Attach it to your stroller or wear it as a crossbody bag or fanny pack. It also clips onto the Colugo stroller for use a stroller organizer.
The roadtrip must-have The portable diapering station on this backpack is a game-changer. Through the clever use of a magnetic pull-release lock, you can open a diaper pad and reveal a smartly organized main compartment that houses tons of diapering essentials. Change that diaper efficiently in tight spaces (like the backseat) or any flat surface, thanks to the backpack's bag feet that let it stand upright on a flat surface. For on-the-go convenience, magnetic straps help you secure the bag to a car headrest or a stroller. The bag includes the detachable diaper pad, thermal pack to keep food cool, wet/dry compartment, pull-out caddy, external USB charging port, and lots of well-designed pockets for a laptop, water bottles and more. This handsome backpack comes in two unisex colors, heather gray and dark mica, and two sizes: standard (20L) and mini (16L).
Available at thevianetic.com, $189 (mini) and $259 (standard).
Clever pockets and smart style Coming to the US from Australia, Alf bags are made from soft leather with cowhide details. The Stella tote features a detachable, adjustable crossbody shoulder strap, nine internal pockets and two external pockets to keep you organized. It also comes with a changing pad and insulated bottle holder.
Comfort and convenience The rectangular shape of this bag hides the fact that it's a diaper bag and gives you lots of room for taller items, like books, a laptop, blankets, stuffed animals and more. The bag contains five elasticized interior pockets and an exterior front pocket with zippered closure. The handles are cushioned for your comfort, and there's a fleece-lined, padded changing pad to keep baby comfortable during diaper changes. Use the included strap to attach the bag to a stroller. Comes in silver, black and camo. You'll be using this bag long after your child is done with diapers.
In a city where “cooler by the lake” is part of the daily forecast, getting the littlest citizens swimming is a must. Get your guppies going with classes catered to them—even babies barely sitting on their own can join in on the fun. These swim schools focus on everything from playful instruction to competitive training, all properly tailored to a child’s development. Click through for seven worth checking out now to keep that outdoor swim season momentum going.
The Lure: Get transported to the tropics, thanks to brightly painted murals, tiki-style decor, gear hut and a snack shack. Individual changing rooms and a relaxing viewing area for parents redefine "family friendly."
The Plunge: No chattering teeth here: The pool is a comfy 90 degrees with an air temperature of 92 degrees. Lest you worry about that deep end, the water runs a friendly four feet deep with a two-foot ledge for beginners.
The Classes: Thirty-minute sessions are divided by age and ability for kids ages 4 months to 12 years, with a 4:1 student to teacher ratio. Want to enroll more than one child? Group sizes are small and lanes are divided to hold different classes, meaning your 10-month-old and 4-year-old could be scheduled at or around the same time.
The Parent Connection: Moms, dads and caregivers join children up to 35 months in the water, playing games and singing songs with lyrics like, “The babies in the pool go splash, splash, splash” (à la “Wheels on the Bus”). An instructor guides parents, demonstrating with a doll and offering hands-on feedback.
The Dunk: Teachers encourage activities like blowing bubbles. But it just might be the critter-shaped flotation devices and ride-on boats that help kids overcome their fear of water for good. When they’re ready to move on, rings on the bottom of the pool (and even crazy-colored toenails on instructors) encourage underwater dunks. Special ribbons reward hard work and are printed with accolades like “I’m so cool, I wear my goggles in the pool” and “I can kick really great with my legs straight.”
Please read their COVID-19 page for any updates on procedures or restrictions.
The Location: 13 Chicagoland locations. Find the one closest to you at goldfishswimschool.com.
The Lure: Interesting fact: Foss means "Fast Water" in Norwegian. Fun is fundamental here, and instructions given with a playful twist: for example, instead of telling kids to “do the backstroke”, they’re told to paint the ceiling different colors.
The Plunge: The pools are heated to a fine 91 degrees and have stairs, islands and benches, and only go as deep as four feet. The changing area boasts multiple family-friendly stalls.
The Classes: You pick a progression, like "Learn to Swim", "Swim Stronger", "Swim Faster", and based on age, you select class times. All classes are 30-45 minutes with discounts for siblings and a student-teacher ratio ranging from 3:1 to 5:1.
Parent Connection: Parents join in on the fun and instruction in the first three levels of Backfloat Baby, and optionally in the fourth. Check the calendar for Family Fun Swim, where the whole family gets to jump in. Non-Foss families are welcome; every Family Fun Swim has a mini 15-minute instruction time.
The Dunk: Foss tells you from the get-go that they don’t teach Red Cross classes. Instead, the emphasis is on teaching “bite-sized” skills for mastery, not just paddling along the pool. Even the humble flotation devices aren’t just for safety. They’re used to isolate and develop motor skills and develop specific muscles to conquer a swim skill. Hesitant beginners can observe at first.
While COVID-19 protocols are in place, there are some restrictions to the availability of lesson formats in different locations. Please check the website directly to see what is available until these temporary changes are lifted.
The Location: 6 Chicagoland locations in Lakeview, Oak Park, Highland Park, Libertyville, Niles and South Barrington. Visit them at fossswimschool.com.
Sharks Swim Club
Sharks Swim Club
The Lure: For kids ages 5 and up who have Olympic rings in their eyes, this place is where it’s at. The goal here is to finesse skills at all levels; beginners here, though, should already know how to finish at least one lap of freestyle. The “experts”? National competitors and Junior Olympians.
The Plunge: All classes are held at St. Patrick High School, so while it lacks the punchy decor of the other kid-centric schools, it’s the perfect training ground for serious swimmers.
The Classes: They're divided according to Future, Bronze, Silver, Gold and National. Beginners (Future) are for ages 5-8 and teaches the technique for competitive strokes, kicks and turns. Classes are an hour, and upper levels include “dryland conditioning,” i.e. aerobic exercises, strength training and resistance workouts.
Parent Connection: Since even the youngest here are independent swimmers, there’s no need to suit up. Parents are free to watch or drop off.
The Dunk: Every coach is equipped with an underwater iPad and camera to record each stroke and kick. The visual aid when training your child is a powerful tool. (Told you it’s serious here.)
The Location: 5900 W. Belmont Ave., 312- 800-3014. Visit them at sharksswimclub.com.
Chicago Blue Dolphins
The Lure: State-of-the-art pools and snazzy technology (under- and above-water mirrors and underwater videotaping) help master swimmers train. Kids receive the same royal treatment.
The Plunge Two endless pools are shallow and kept at 90 degrees so kids can relax and focus. Swimmers graduate to skills like diving and treading water at satellite locations with deep-end pools in Edgewater and Lakeview or at Ohio St. Beach.
The Classes: Baby and toddler classes are for six months to four years, preschool beginners are ages four and five, and everyone else from six and up are placed by skill level. Swimmers are encouraged to enroll twice, even up to four times a week for the first month, so they acclimate quickly. Kids with special needs and sensory processing or motor skill issues will love the Swim Whisperer program in private or semi-private lessons.
The Parent Connection: Moms and dads join babies and toddlers up to four years old. Instructors pass baby back and forth to parents to teach them how to roll their little minnow from side to back or cheek to ear.
The Dunk: If your landlubber isn’t keen on getting his feet wet, he can play at a separate station where water wheels, colanders and a spray will keep him busy. For those still in the pool, singing songs, splashing, blowing bubbles and playing with toys keep tears at bay.
Please read their updated COVID-10 procedures on their website prior to scheduling lessons.
The Location: 2222 N. Elston Ave., Lincoln Park, 773-342-7250, Visit them at chicagobluedolphins.com.
Big Blue Swim School
Big Blue Swim School
The Lure: The pools are designed to please the youngest among us and the grown-ups too. That’s done through a team of full-time swim professionals who are passionate about their teaching because it’s their career. They customize lessons to ensure kids progress with each session, constantly building skills and confidence as they learn to swim and become safe in the water.
The Plunge: Pool water is always 91-degrees and a state-of-the-art UV filtration system ensures ultra-clean water. Anti-microbial, fall-proof carpets in the facility make transitions safe and kids find plenty of hand-held deck showers and private changing rooms. No waiting in lines with chattering teeth here!
The Classes: Full-time, highly trained swim professionals teach age and skill-appropriate offerings for kids ages 6 months-12-years. Pools designed with families in mind mean older and younger kids can swim at the same time. Classes run on a perpetual schedule so kids can enroll anytime, and they move up based on their progress.
The Parent Connection: Big Blue’s mobile app allows for easy scheduling or rescheduling of lessons. Canceling a lesson in advance earns parents a free make-up voucher. The app also allows parents to track their kid’s progress every time they swim to see new skills gained at each lesson.
The Dunk: The Big Blue team teaches kids they can do anything by unlocking their potential in the water. A unique curriculum focused on achieving distance-based milestones takes kids from safe to confident. Free trial lessons are offered.
Big Blue Swim school made updates to its facility and enhanced safety guidelines due to COVID-19. Check out their website for more information.
The Location: Five Chicagoland locations. Find the one closest to you at BigBlueSwimSchool.com.
British Swim School
The Lure: Kids learn to back-float first, because teachers profess that it’s the ideal survival skill, allowing the swimmer to reserve energy, breathe and cry out for help. Check out the video on their website of wee ones diving and rolling onto their backs as easily as baby belugas.
The Plunge: Classes meet in fitness centers and residential buildings downtown, including Fitness Formula Club in the Gold Coast and LA Fitness in the South Loop. There are several suburban locations, too. If locker rooms aren't available, the school brings changing tents.
The Classes: Babies and preschoolers are divided into two levels, while swimmers ages three or older start from beginners (minnows) and progress to swim-team hopefuls (sharks). The special abilities program is new but already a big hit, recommended by doctors for kids with muscular dystrophy and autism. Multiple classes are held at the same time to keep multi-kid mamas happy, and you have the option of adding on extra days a week.
The Parent Connection: Mommy/Daddy and Me classes are available for swimmers three years and younger. Play games like “Humpty Dumpty” and help them jump from the ledge into the water. An instructor uses a doll to model every move and facilitate proper form.
The Dunk: Slow and steady wins the race, as instructors use gradual techniques to quell fears. Those with extra butterflies in their tummies can take a break and get personal attention from a teacher, whether walking around the pool together or playing games.
Read about British Swim School's COVID-19-related procedures on their website.
The Location: Several Chicagoland locations. Find the nearest one to you at britishswimschool.com.
The Lure: The school's modern, upbeat vibe mirrors the lovable staff members. Families feel taken care of with everything from fun water toys to monthly newsletters with updates and parenting tips.
The Plunge: The heated four-foot-deep pool is surrounded by huge windows and a viewing room for parents.
The Classes: Babies four to 36 months old enroll in StarBaby and kids age 3-6 and 7-12 are grouped by ability. Unlike the other schools that allow registration at any time, this one runs in sessions, but you’ll be prorated if you join late.
The Parent Connection: Parents splash along in StarBaby's beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Then there's a transition level that phases parents out while instructors fully take the reins. Every few weeks, instructors set aside some Q&A time for parents.
The Dunk: Kids nervous about bobbing around can start by sitting with instructors near the pool, then dipping their feet in. Instructors also use a “shower bucket” (a bucket with holes on the bottom) and a song about getting wet to gently wet hands and shoulders. Graduates of each swim level earn a different colored wristband — a great visual reinforcement tool.
The Location: Locations in Arlington Heights & Mokena. Visit them at chicagoswimschool.com.
Your little one is on the move, ready to explore and full of opinions. Luckily, when it comes to the kicks that’ll get them where they need to go, trusted shoe brand Stride Rite has shoes fit for every step—like the Surprize by Stride Rite collection exclusively at Target. With trendy styles, fun colors and a comfy fit, they’ll excite even the pickiest of toddlers. Plus, they’re durable, machine washable and a price you’ll love. Here are our top picks from the fall line:
Surprize by Stride Rite, Flynn, Boys’ Toddler Sneakers
These trendy sneakers have a smart secret: Even though they look like they have laces, it's actually an easy hook-and-loop closure.
The baby industry is constantly evolving, and it’s because there are some amazing women at the helm. From vegan accessories and revolutionary feeding gear, to back-saving baby carriers, mom inventors are changing the face of what it means to manage the newborn and infant stage. Keep scrolling to see our favorite baby gear products that will have you saying, “oh baby!”
Skin-to-Skin Bonding: Bonsie
Mom of two and former clinical social worker, Anna Turcotte knows the benefits of skin-to-skin contact between babies and caregivers. With her experience, she set out to create babywear that encouraged skin-to-skin contact but also kept babies comfortable. Bonsie, a combination of "bonding" and "onesie" was born! Each onesie is made with double-layered flaps connected by an ultra-soft hook and loop fastener. Once the two flaps are open, baby's chest and belly are fully exposed for skin-to-skin connection. Parents can shop in sizes ranging from newborn to 9 months in comfy bamboo and cotton blends.
Safe Sleeping: Swaddle Sleeves by Two Baby Bears Co.
Umma Shekhani and her daughter loved swaddles, but when it came time to transition out of the original style, they weren't having much luck. All the options kept her too warm or offered just a little too much freedom. In a moment of desperation, Umma sketched and sewed the first version of Swaddle Sleeves, gently weighted sleeves that offer comfort. Since then, Swaddles Sleeves has expanded to even more products that include swaddle pods, sleep sacks, and footie pajamas. Products come with double zippers for quick changes and non-weighted "Mitten Sleeves" that can be worn when weighted sleeves aren't needed.
Healthynest: EWG-Verified Diapers, Cleaning, Skincare and More
Tonje Thilesen
Founded in the Fall of 2020 by Shazi Visram (she’s also the founder of Happy Family Organics and mom to a 10-year-old son and five-year-old daughter), Healthynest is the first brain-forward brand for expectant and new parents to navigate their baby’s developmental health. What does that mean exactly? To start, Healthynest pairs products with science-backed enrichment activities to help parents navigate raising kids starting from day one. So while you place an order for the first-ever EWG-Verified diaper, EWG-Verified cleaning system and EWG-Verified Skincare system, you can also learn how to introduce texture to babies or discover if your tap water is safe to drink thanks to Healthynest’s tutorials and videos.
As a mom of two, Sara Parant was frustrated with all the buttons, zippers and snaps that came on infant clothes. Realizing tons of other parents felt the same way, she set out to design a no-snap onesie that would change the way we dress and change babies. Peasy Co. grew and developed a full line of sustainable, progressive infant basics. The company provides comfort for babes and super quick diaper changes, using hypoallergenic, quick-trying, anti-microbial and breathable fabric.
Amber Thibaut grew up as the daughter of a Maui waterman, which connected her strongly to the island culture. Late one night while nursing her son, she realized the blanket she reached for held no special meaning or connection to Hawaii, which embodied arts, tradition and community. That night, Coco Moon was born. Now, Thibaut's brand specializes in buttery-soft baby goods that are all inspired by memories of a childhood in Hawaii. Parents can shop island-inspired quilts, security and throw blankets, swaddles and clothing with whimsical prints and the softest materials.
Taeler Horak was a first time mom and she already despised trying to snap baby clothes in the middle of the night. Armed with her great grandmother's sewing machine, she set out to make the first ankle to ankle zippered baby romper. When local moms began asking for custom orders, Horak knew she was on to something. After creating her own website, rebranding and a soft launch on Facebook, Zipease, LLC was born. The female-owned and run business now employs four more women who make the company's entire inventory in house.
After having her second child and returning to work, Krystal Nicole Duhaney struggled with her milk supply like many moms. As a Registered Nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant she knew there were not enough resources for breastfeeding mothers and wanted to come up with a solution for low milk supply. Using her medical background, Duhaney came up with a milk-making cookie recipe and in November of 2015, Milky Mama was born! Today, Milky Mama's product line includes Lactation Cookies, Brownies, Emergency Brownies, Tropical Iced Tea, Lactation LeMOOnade, Lactation Smoothie Mix, and Herbal Supplements. In addition to offering products, the company also facilitates weekly Facebook chats and a lactation support group so women can come alongside each other in support.
Towards the end of her maternity leave, Becca Davidson's mom offered to watch her daughter once a week. Her mom was really looking forward to spending some quality time with her new granddaughter, but soon realized that because of some arthritis in her thumb, she wasn't able to press the red button hard enough to release the buckle on the carseat. After realizing that a federal regulation required 9 pounds of pressure to release the button for safety reasons, Davidson and her mom set out find a solution. As an Occupational Therapist, Davidson's mother created a tool using splint material, which used leverage to reduce the force needed to unbuckle, and UnbuckleMe was born!. The duo refined the design, ran a successful Kickstarter campaign, attended dozens of events, acquired patents and continues to spread awareness.
Susan Bortone's two kids were never good sleepers. They loved to snuggle and always wanted a soft toy to hold but Bortone never wanted to leave an unsafe toy in the crib, which meant they would wake often looking for their lovey. After trying every sleep trick in the book, she started sketching and making a protoype that combined the security of a sleep sack and a safe toy all in one. When her daughter tried it for the first time, shel slept through the night! Now, Snuggy Buddy is in production and taking pre-orders for the breathable sleep snack made from muslin with a weighted butterfly with soft plush wings stitched at chest level. In addition to providing a safe sleep experience, Snuggy Buddy is also partnering with a charity, donating fabric for them to make blankets for babies in need.
Beth Fynbo was tired of the "toddler toss," when littles keep throwing things on the floor or putting their mouth on germy restaurant tables. In response, she created the Busy Baby Mat, a food-grade silicone placemat that firmly sticks on just about any surface including shopping cart handles, floors and tables. The innovative silicone tethers attach to toys to keep them in arms reach and the placemat is perfect for eating, and even drawing on!
Bekah Marsden didn't love when her baby’s bibs or changing mats got stained and gross. As a mom, she set out to create a product that would stand the test of time and look stylish while doing it. That's when she came up with vegan leather bibs and changing mats for her site, Bek & Jet. The amazingly soft products can be easily wiped down after each use––no more stains!
Mom of three Dahlia Rizk was sick and tired of wrestling her kids in and out of coats when it came time to getting into the car seat. She imagined a time when zippers weren't in the middle of coats and then instant excitement came! Rizk applied for a patent and some time later, the world’s first and only car seat-safe winter coat was born. Her genius design means that car seat straps and harnessed go under the coats and not on top, and are crash tested. They passed the first time around! Buckle Me Baby Coats are evaluated by CPSTs, first responders, and EMTs too but her "biggest experts are the kids who love not having coats forced off and on them all the time and parents who love having one less thing to worry about!"
While on a family vacation, Carla Schneider’s infant son could not be consoled. When his pacifer wouldn't stay in his mouth, the mom grabbed the hotel sewing kit and sewed her son’s favorite stuffed toy to a pacifier. Instantly he was comforted, and this was the start of WubbaNub. Twenty years later Schneider still owns and operates the brand while remaining true to her original mission: "Comforting and soothing one baby at a time while raising funds and awareness surrounding illnesses that afflict newborns."
Tammy Rant and Sara Azadi created TushBaby out of complete necessity. Back and hip pain led them to question: was there a better way to carry their kids? When traditional carriers didn't work, the idea to create a strapless baby carrier was born. After pitching their idea on Shark Tank, Tushbaby has taken off, finding a market in the U.S., Europe and Asia. The memory-lined seat comes with extra storage for essentials, and is perfect for any caregivers, from mom and dad to grandparents!
Lisa Sutherland and Kiyah Duffy are moms with seven kids between them. Both women have Ph.D.’s in nutrition and a shared passion for food, creativity and an interest in helping little ones learn to feed themselves. They knew what parents could do to help kids succeed at mealtime and learn to love eating healthy foods but didn't see the right tools to help them do that. Kizingo spoons work with the way young children hold and use utensils, making it easier for them to bring the food from their plate to their mouth! Why is this important? Kids who can feed themselves are less likely to overeat and less likely to become picky eaters because they retain control over mealtime.
When Natalie Riley's daughter was young and riding in a stroller, inevitably, she would demand to be carried. Natalie always ended up carrying her daughter in one arm and pushing the empty set of wheels with the other. The same goes for hiking—Natalie found herself carrying her daughter in her arms with an empty baby transporter on her back. She needed a tiny baby carrier that she could carry in her pocket or use as a purse while her daughter is walking, and so Tady—a baby carrier that can support up to 60 lbs and easily converts into a diaper bag—was born.
Give your babe a leg up in the sleep department with Bumbershoots by Nana. These oh-so-soft sleep sacks are designed and hand sewn by Judy Carr (aka Nana), a grandmother who works out of her Maryland studio using patterns she has made and refined over time. Bumbershoots by Nana was born when her grandson was transitioning out of a swaddle and into a sleep sack. Judy noticed that even more expensive sacks seemed cheaply made and didn't wear well. In part due to her grandmotherly love, and in part due to her entrepreneurial spirit, Judy decided to fix that problem—her high-quality, reverse-lined sleep sacks are functional (they hold up extremely well to machine washes and everyday use) and fun (check out their designs here). Fun fact: Bumbershoots by Nana stocks multiples in each size, but is also able to produce 30 or so a week without assistance.
Lizzy Ellingson co-founded Blueprint Registry after experiencing her own frustrations with traditional wedding registries. She wanted a more fun, visual process—and it turns out she wasn't the only one. After having her first baby, she discovered that the baby registry world had the same problems and so she expanded Blueprint's platform into a baby registry with the goal of helping to educate new moms along the way. New parents can not only rest easy knowing Blueprint has the lowest credit card processing fee in the industry, but they can also shop from a visual blueprint of their nursery and add gifts from any retailer to their registry to fit their needs.
Julie Wilson and Amy Livingston founded Cheeky Chompers while on maternity leave after their first babies were born. They noticed a gap in the market for a teether that attached to a baby and that’s when the innovative Neckerchew was born! What’s a Neckerchew? It’s a highly absorbent, reversible cotton dribble bib with a silicone teether integrated right into the design. After the success of the Neckerchew, they went on to invent the Comfortchew, Chewy the attachable sensory hippo teether, the Cheeky Blanket, the organic MultiMuslin (it’s a nursing cover, stroller cover, teether, burp cloth, swaddle and blanket all in one) and the Muslin Comforter. These two mamas and their innovative thinking are streamlining the world of baby gear.
When TWELVElittle baby bags came on the scene, new moms everywhere sighed with relief. Stylish, practical (read: wipeable) diaper bags and accessories that feel designer-worthy without the outrageous price tag. Mom and designer Julia Min founded TWELVElittle to simplify and elevate new mom style. And she's succeeded! In addition to diaper bags and backpacks that you'll be toting around long after they are potty-trained, they also make backpacks for kids, smaller bags for storage (we love this striped bag trio) and the popular 12 LITTLE WONDERS dangles, inspired by the Chinese zodiac and made to customize any bag.
For any mom who has ever pumped for their nursing babes, you know how precious every drop can be. When her son Henry was born in 2008, Helen Anderson was working as an ER nurse and still breastfeeding. So she came up with a business, Milkies, and a product to help save time and make sure not a drop of the liquid gold was lost: Milk-Saver. The Milk-Saver collects the milk that leaks in between nursing or pumping (you know what we mean).
We’re pretty sure that Ayesha Curry doesn’t sleep. Not only is she a mother of two beautiful kiddos and wife of Golden State all-star Stephen Curry, but she also’s a cookbook author, hosts her own show on the Food Network, Ayesha’s Homemade, and is the co-founder of the recently launched Cheeky Baby. Partnered with Cheeky Kids, this line of reusable, high-quality plastic and silicone dinnerware products are designed just with little ones in mind. They help foster independence at meal-time with trainer and sippy cups, feeding spoons, traditional baby cutlery, and even a line of self-feeding cutlery; non-slip bowls and more, all with whimsical-but-chic patterns and animal characters. And if you need one more reason to love this woman, for every Cheeky Baby item purchased, a meal will be donated to a child in need through No Kid Hungry.
Catherine Merritt has been a long-time supporter of moms: she’s the genius behind MUMZY, the first and only crowdfunding platform for moms. Catherine sold MUMZY last year and is on to her newest venture, Finnbin. Co-founded with Shawn Bercuson (entrepreneur and superdad), Finnbin brings the Finnish tradition to the U.S. for the first time ever. What is a Finnbin? It’s a cardboard box full of newborn items, including bibs, bedding, clothing, a swaddle, bath essentials and more. The best part? The box can actually be used as baby’s first bed. Don’t believe us? The Finns have been doing this for more than 80 years! We love these self-contained boxes that pair down the clutter and focus on what you need for your new arrival, so you can focus on baby! “To play a role in providing the peace of mind to new parents is such an incredible feeling as an entrepreneur and a fellow mom,” says Catherine.
Maya Shalev, founder of Grabease is a problem solver. As a busy lawyer, mediator and mother of three, she experienced all of the typical frustrations of parenting, including watching her little one repeatedly not be able to hold on to the spoon when trying to self-feed. So, she invented a better product: grabease utensils ($14.95), available on Amazon. These adorable fork and spoon sets are squat enough that tiny hands can grasp and control with ease, plus they are safer than regular "toddler" flatware: the handle is ergonomically designed and there's a choke barrier. It comes in several colors (including dark gray, teal, orange and white), and you can even grab a handy carrying pouch that tucks into your diaper bag or purse. The best part? It helps them develop motor skills right before your eyes. BPA free. Grabease also recently launched a 2 in 1 silicone spoon + teether, a double-sided toothbrush that helps helps with baby and toddler oral care and an all-over bib that helps to make the dinner mess less stressful.
You love all the notes and stick-figure drawings, but it doesn’t take long for paper to take over your house. That’s why moms Karla “neatnick” the Losen and Jennifer organization queen” McAllister-Nevins got together and invented The Keepsake Box by Savor, designed to help you keep treasures and cull the chaos. There are two versions: The Library: Baby Keepsake Box and The Library: School Years Keepsake Box. Each box includes a handcrafted, book cloth case; pre-categorized labels; 9 drawers for tiny things and 8 vertical files (baby version) or 16 vertical files (school years); a birthday survey for yearly highlights and more. It’s like scrapbooking without the scrapbooking. Everything is contained, sleek and easy to browse through so you can walk down memory lane anytime. As an added bonus, they look cute on the shelf. Stop shoving those things in a bin and start organizing your treasures! Prices start at $69.95.
My kids aren’t babies anymore, but as the founder and CEO of Babylist, I spend all day talking to new parents and checking out gear. One of the pieces of advice I give to new parents: Invest in products that will take you through not just those first months, but the first years. Check out my six, must-picks, below.
Stokke Tripp Trapp Highchair: Just having a piece of baby furniture this sleek and simple is benefit enough for many new parents. But this high chair is designed to have more than just good looks. It’s cleverly designed to support your child as she grows, and you can make adjustments to the seat and footrest to accommodate everything from a baby (with the Baby Set that’s sold separately) to a 250-pound adult.
Hatch Baby Rest Night Light and Sound Machine: When your baby is new, the Hatch Baby Rest uses sound and light to create a “custom sleep environment” for your child, which you can program via your phone. It also makes routines infinitely easier. One quick tap turns it from soothing white noise machine into a night light that’s indispensable for late-night feedings. Later, as your kid grows into an early-rising toddler, program the “OK-to-Wake” indicator to signal when it’s okay to get out of bed and wake up mom and dad. You’ll be incredibly thankful for the extra sleep you get.
Skip Hop Explore and More Baby’s View 3-Stage Activity Center: One purchase, years of play. This activity center transforms alongside your child to fit kids’ needs as they grow. For infants, it’s perfect for self-contained play (so you can do the dishes or get a much-needed shower). Later, it converts into a play station your child can cruise around while he learns to walk, and finally a sleek, seamless toddler table perfect for tea parties and coloring alike.
Babyletto Hudson Crib: This convertible crib is not just beautiful—behind those mid-century modern lines is a practical solution for a growing child. This crib comes with a kit that converts it into a toddler bed that works for children up to 50 lbs. You can buy a conversion kit to turn it into a full-fledged daybed, as well. In theory, this bed could see your child all the way to college! Pro tip: For any crib you want to convert, buy the kit around the same time you buy the crib. Cribs get discontinued all the time and you don’t want to have to troll the backwaters of the internet to find a conversion kit later.
Nest Cam: Okay, technically, the Nest Cam isn’t a baby monitor. It’s a home security camera that we count among our favorite baby monitors at Babyist. Turns out, the features that are great for home security are perfect for a baby monitor —from live streaming on your smartphone to two-way communication so you can soothe your little one from anywhere. As your child grows, and you no longer need a baby monitor, you can use it to keep an eye on your pet, yard, or empty home while you’re out.
Ju Ju Be Everyday Tote: This diaper bag has tons of pockets for easy organization, an anti-microbial lining to prevent bacteria from growing when you accidentally throw in a damp wipe or a questionable banana. Best of all, it’s sturdy enough to last, and stylish enough for you to carry once you no longer need to lug around diapers.
Natalie is the founder of Babylist, an online registry platform for new and expecting parents. The idea came to life after Natalie was pregnant with her first son and couldn’t find a registry that met her needs. Today, more than $12MM in gifts are given using Babylist.